JP3344515B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable computer
The present invention relates to an input device suitable for a keyboard or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a portable computer is provided with a keyboard in which a key top pitch is extremely narrowed in order to reduce its size. In addition, there is a display device that displays a keyboard on a display screen to allow the user to make a selection, or input information or commands by handwriting.

[0003]

By the way, with a keyboard with a reduced pitch or a keyboard displayed on a screen,
Since it is difficult to perform a so-called blind touch, there is a problem that it takes time to input. Further, such a keyboard has to be operated with one finger in most cases, and there is a problem that the user feels troublesome.

[0004] Further, such a keyboard has a problem that frequent input errors occur because the keystrokes have small or no keystrokes in some cases.

Further, in the case of handwriting as well, there is a problem that it takes a long time to input data, similarly to a keyboard with a reduced pitch or a keyboard displayed on a screen. In this case, the input characters and the like are recognized and, for example, echoed back. However, the recognition result is not always correct.
Therefore, there is a problem that makes the user feel troublesome.

[0006] Since the recognition accuracy depends on the CPU and software, an expensive CP is required to improve the recognition accuracy.
U or the like must be used, and there is a problem that the cost of the apparatus is increased.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a small device with high operability at low cost.

[0008]

An input device according to claim 1, wherein
The operation key is an operation key that can be rotated and pressed, and an operation key.
Detecting means for detecting the rotation angle of the operation key;
Out of the set key codes by the detection means.
Select a predetermined key code corresponding to the issued rotation angle
Selecting means and selecting means when an operation key is pressed down
Determining means for determining the key code selected by the
First table displaying the key code determined by the setting means
Indicating means, and the operation key is released from the rotation operation.
In this case, it is necessary to return to the origin to a predetermined angle set in advance.
Features.

In the input device according to the present invention, the operation keys may be provided.
-Equipped with eight fingers corresponding to the eight fingers except the thumbs of both hands
The eight operation keys are divided into four parts on the left and right.
It is characterized by being performed.

[0010] The input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the input device,
On the surface opposite to the surface on which the
Second display means for displaying the selected key code
Corresponding to the operation keys arranged separately on the left and right,
It is characterized in that one is provided on each of the left and right.
You.

[0011] The input device according to claim 4, wherein the eight input devices
Each finger on the full keyboard
Assigned a plurality of key codes operated by
When the home position returns, the selection means selects
The key code is, in the full keyboard,
As in the key code at the time of the home position
It is characterized by doing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the input device, the rotating shaft is paired.
In other words, tilting operation and pressing operation in two directions are possible
Seesaw type operation keys and tilt direction of seesaw type operation keys
And a plurality of detection means are provided for each inclination direction.
Of the key codes detected by the detection means
Selection means for selecting a predetermined key code corresponding to a direction
When the seesaw-type operation key is pressed,
Determining means for determining the key code selected by the step;
Display means for displaying the key code determined by the determination means
And a step.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

In the input device according to the first aspect, the operation keys are provided.
Rotation angle is detected, and multiple rotation angles are set for each rotation angle.
From the key code, a predetermined value corresponding to the detected rotation angle
Key code is selected and the operation key is pressed
The selected key code is confirmed and the confirmed key
The code is displayed and the operation keys are released from the rotation operation.
In this case, the origin is returned to a predetermined angle set in advance .

In the input device according to the second aspect, the operation
Eight keys are provided for eight fingers except thumbs of both hands
Eight, eight operation keys are arranged on the left and right by four
Is done.

In the input device according to the third aspect, the operation
The selected key is placed on the side opposite to the side where the
The code corresponds to the operation keys arranged separately on the left and right
Is displayed.

[0023] In the input device according to the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the
Each of the two operation keys has a full keyboard
A plurality of predetermined key codes operated by each finger are assigned.
When home return is performed, the selected key code is
On the keyboard, the key in the home position
Mode.

In the input device according to the fifth aspect, the system
-The tilt direction of the saw-type operation key is detected, and
From multiple key codes that have been set,
A predetermined key code corresponding to the oblique direction is selected,
Key operation key is pressed, the selected key
The code is determined, and the determined key code is displayed.

[0025]

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

[0029]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of an embodiment of a word processor to which the keyboard device of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the bottom surface thereof. On the bottom,
As a plurality of key codes, and the rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b for example, a character code is allocated, 1
To 1L _b to 14L _b and is right and left symmetric, it is arranged in an arc shape. Rotary key top 11R _{b to} 14
R _b , 11L _{b to} 14L _b can be rotated in the directions indicated by arrows in FIG.
Of the plurality of assigned key codes, those corresponding to the rotation angle are displayed on the LCDs 2R and 2L, respectively.

Furthermore, the rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b, 11L _b to 14L _b are tact switches 11R _a through 14R _a later, 11L _a to 14L _a (FIG. 4)
Together, they constitute the operation units 6R to 9R and 6L to 9L, respectively. And the rotary key top 11R _b
To 14R _b, 11L _b to 14L _b are made to be able to pushed into the inner side of the device, thereby tact switch 11R _a through 14R _a, 11L _a to 14
L _a (FIG. 4) can be operated (details will be described later).

The tact switch 11R _a through 14R _a, 11
When L _a to 14L _a (FIG. 4) is operated, LCD2R,
The key code displayed on the 2L is determined, and the LCD 1 displays the determined key code.

The tact switches 3R, 3L, 4R,
Control codes and special codes (codes corresponding to a shift key, a line feed key, a space key, a function key, and the like in a normal full keyboard) are assigned to 4L. That is, the tact switches 3R, 3L, 4R, 4
When L is operated, for example, line feed (return), mode switching, space input, and the like are performed.

Notches 5R and 5L are provided between the tact switches 3R and 4R or between 3L and 4L, respectively. The position of this notch 5R or 5L is a rotary key top 11R _b arranged in an arc shape
Or 14R _b or 11L _b to 14L _b corresponds to (FIG. 2) located substantially near the center of each.

As shown in FIG. 3, the word processor constructed as described above is operated with the bellies of the right and left thumbs respectively directed to the notches 5L or 5R. In this case, the rotary keytop 11L _b to 14L _b or 11R _b to 14R _b are the left and right index finger, middle finger, ring finger, are operated respectively by the little finger. Also, the tact switches 3L and 4
L or 3R and 4R are operated with the left and right thumbs, respectively.

[0035] In addition, rotary key top 11R _b to 1
4R _b, the 11L _b to 14L _b, provided at a position recessed in the interior than the bottom surface of the device, thereby, when placed in a bottom down, it is possible to prevent the erroneous key input is performed It has been made possible.

[0036] In addition, rotary key top 11R _b to 1
4R _b, the 11L _b to 14L _b, instead of providing a position recessed in the interior than the bottom surface of the device, on the bottom, for example, by providing a convex portion such as a so-called foot, prevents the erroneous key input is performed You can make it.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the electrical configuration of the word processor. Rotary key top 11R _b
Constitutes the operation portion 6R with tact switch 11R _a. The operation unit 6R is configured, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0038] That is, the rotary key top 11R _b,
The rotating shaft 45 is fixed, and both ends of the rotating shaft 45 are passed through holes provided near the center of gravity of the triangular holding plate 43a or 43b. And rotary key top 1
1R _b is about an axis of rotation 45 are adapted to be able to rotate therewith.

It should be noted, rotary key top 11R _b has a substantially cylindrical shape, its sides, to fit the finger, is a concave shape. In addition, on that side,
The rotary key top 11R _b when rotating with a finger tip, fine unevenness as appropriate friction is obtained are formed.

Each of the triangular holding plates 43a and 43b is provided with a hole near one vertex, and the fixed shaft 41 is passed therethrough. Both ends of the fixed shaft 41 are fixed to fixing plates 42a and 42b. The holding plate 4
3b, the tact switch 11 is located on the inner side of the device.
R _a is provided.

The holding plate 43a and 43b is (if not added force) Normally, as shown in FIG. 5, the holding plate 43b is such that one of the states not touch or touch the tact switch 11R _a It is located in the place. And
Rotary keytop 11R _b is the is pushed to the inner side of the device (in the figure, is pushed on the lower side) (hereinafter,
Clicked), holding plates 43a and 43b
Is configured to rotate together with the rotating shaft 45 about the fixed shaft 41 in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. As a result, the tact switch 11R _a
3b is operated by one vertex portion.

In this case, the rotary key top 11
When the force applied to _Rb is eliminated, the holding plate 43a
And 43b, together with the rotary shaft 45, are adapted to return to the normal state shown in FIG. This is performed by, for example, an elastic body (not shown) (for example, a spring or a rubber belt).

[0043] rotary shaft 45 rotary key top 11R _b is fixed, the pulley 44 is also fixed. When the rotary key top 11R _b rotates, the pulley 44 also rotates, thereby a pulley 47 which is connected by a pulley 44 and belt 46 be made to rotate.

The pulley 47 is fixed to a rotating shaft 48, and a pulley 50 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 48. A belt 49 provided with an elastic body such as a spring at both ends is wound around the pulley 50. Belt 49
, Ie, a spring portion, is fixed to the housing of the apparatus or a circuit board.

The other end of the rotating shaft 48 is fixed to the encoder 15R, and when the pulley 47 rotates, the rotating shaft 48
Also rotates, and the rotation angle is transmitted to the encoder 15R.

[0046] Therefore, when the rotary key top 11R _b is rotated, its rotational angle, the rotation shaft 45, the pulley 4
4, and transmitted to the encoder 15R via the belt 46, the pulley 47, and the rotating shaft 48.

The encoder 15R generates a key code corresponding to the rotation angle and outputs the key code to the I / O microcomputer 21R. That is, as described above, the rotary key top 11R _b basically operated with the index finger of the right hand
Are assigned a plurality of key codes, for example, key codes "7", "U", "J", "M", etc., which are operated with the index finger of the right hand on a full keyboard. Is 0 degrees, the encoder 15
R generates a key code "J" at the home position of the index finger of the right hand on a full keyboard, for example. Further, the rotary key top 11R _b is, when it is rotated in one direction by a predetermined angle alpha, encoders 15R, for example to generate a key code "U", further in the same direction, the rotary key top 11R _b is rotated Then, the encoder 15R generates a key code “7”, for example. The encoder 15R, when the rotary key top 11R _b is rotated in the other direction, are made for example to generate a key code "M".

[0048] When the finger is released from the rotary key top 11R _b that is rotationally operated by a spring is provided at both ends of the belt 49, the pulley 50 is rotated in a direction to return to the original state, thereby The rotating shaft 48 returns to the origin. The force by which the rotating shaft 48 attempts to return to the origin is controlled by the pulley 47, the belt 46, and the pulley 4.
4, and the rotary key top 11 via the rotating shaft 45.
It is transmitted to the R _b, thereby the rotary key top 11R _b
Also returns to the origin.

Returning to FIG. 4, the other operation units 7R to 9R and 6L to 9L have the same configuration as the operation unit 6R described in FIG. The operation units 7R to 9R, 6L
Rotary key tops 12R _{b to} 1 constituting the first to 9L
4R _b , 11L _{b to} 14L _b (encoders 16R to 1
8R, 15L to 18L) are assigned as a plurality of key codes, for example, key codes operated by the middle finger or the little finger of the right hand and the index finger or the little finger of the left hand on a full keyboard.

[0050] That is, for example, the rotary key top 14L _b (encoder 18L) which is operated with the left hand little finger in the full keyboard, a plurality of key codes, key code "1", "Q", "A", and " Z "is assigned. Further, for example, the rotary key top 13L _b (encoder 17L) which is operated with the left hand ring finger in a full keyboard, a plurality of key codes, key code "2" (or "3"), "W", "S" , And “X”.

[0051] Hereinafter, the same way are assigned a plurality of key codes, so that when the rotary key top 12R _b to 14R _b, 11L _b to 14L _b at the origin state, that is, when the rotation angle is 0 degrees, The encoders 16R to 18R, 15L to 18L are key codes “K”, “L”, “;”, “F”, “D”, “S”, which are key codes at the home position of each finger in a full keyboard.
"A" is generated.

Switches 3R, 4R, tact switch 11
An operation signal output by R _a to 14R _a is operated is adapted to be inputted to the I / O microcontroller 21R. Also, the rotary key tops 11R _b through 14
In accordance with the operation of _Rb, the key codes output from the encoders 15R to 18R are also input to the I / O microcomputer 21R.

Meanwhile, an operation signal output by the switch 3L, 4L, tact switches 11L _a to 14L _a is operated is adapted to be inputted to the I / O microcontroller 21L. Further, in accordance with the operation of the rotary key top 11L _b to 14L _b, encoders 15L to 18
The key code output from the I / O microcomputer 21L
To be entered.

Here, the LCD 2L, the switches 3L, 4
L, the operation unit 6L to 9 L (tact switches 11L _a to 14L _a and rotary keytop 11L _b to 14
L _b), an encoder (E) 15L to 18L, I / O microcontroller 21L (CPU22L, ROM23L, and R
AM24L), LCD controller 25L, or I /
F26L and (hereinafter referred to as L-side portion), LCD2R, switches 3R, 4R, operation unit 6R to 9R (tact switches 11R _a through 14R _a and rotary key top 11R _b
To 14R _b ), encoders (E) 15R to 18R,
I / O microcomputer 21R (CPU 22R, ROM 23R,
And the RAM 24R), the LCD controller 25R, and the I / F 26R (hereinafter, referred to as the R-side portion), each having the same configuration.

The I / O microcomputer 21R includes a CPU 22R,
ROM23R, and consists RAM24R, switches 3R, 4R, switch 11R _a through 14R _a, the encoder 15R to 18R, LCD controller 25R, I
/ F26 is controlled between the input and output.

Here, the CPU 22R performs processing according to a program stored in the ROM 23R. The ROM 23R has a CPU 22R,
Switch 3R, 4R, switch 11R _a through 14R _a, the encoder 15R to 18R, LCD controller 25
A program for controlling input / output between the R and I / Fs 26 is stored. Furthermore, RAM24R
Stores data necessary for the operation of the CPU 22R.

That is, when the switch 3R or 4R is operated and an operation signal is input thereto, the I / O microcomputer 21R outputs the operation signal to the I / F 26R. I
The / F26R manages input / output between the external block and the CPU 31, and transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 3R or 4R to the CPU 31 when receiving the operation signal.

The I / O microcomputer 21R receives the key code generated by the encoders 15R to 18R and outputs it to the LCD controller 25R. L
The CD controller 25R outputs the key code from the I / O microcomputer 21R to the LCD 2R for display. Thus, if the rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b is not operated, a key code in the right index finger to the little finger of the home position in the full keyboard "J", "K", "L", ";", respectively But LCD
It will be displayed on 2R.

[0059] The user, to rotate the one of the rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b, which a key code that desired by generating from one of the encoders 15R to 18R, the displays on LCD2R. That is, for example, now, if you thought that you enter the key code "U", as described above, the rotary key top 11R _b,
A rotation operation is performed in one direction by a predetermined angle α to generate a key code “U” in the encoder 15R.
To be displayed.

[0060] In a state where the key code "U" is displayed on the LCD2R, by clicking the rotary key top 11R _b, as described with reference to FIG. 5, to operate the tact switch 11L _a.

[0061] When the tact switch 11L _a is operated,
An operation signal corresponding to the operation (hereinafter referred to as a determination signal)
Is output to the I / O microcomputer 21R from there. I /
O microcomputer 21R receives the confirmation signal from the tact switch 11L _a, now, the key code "U" the encoder 15R has occurred, and outputs the I / F26R.
Upon receiving the key code “U”, the I / F 26R transmits it to the CPU 31.

The CPU 31 performs, for example, the processing of a word processor according to the program stored in the ROM 33. RAM 32 is a CPU
31 are stored so as to store necessary data. The ROM 33 stores, for example, a word processor program.

When receiving an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 3R or 4R, the CPU 31 performs a process according to the operation signal. That is, for example, when a line feed code is assigned to the switch 3R and an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 3R is received, a line feed mark is displayed on the LCD 1 at the position where the cursor is currently displayed, and the cursor is displayed. To the beginning of the next line,
It controls the LCD controller 34. Switch 4
For example, when a shift code is assigned to R, and when an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 4R is received, the I / F 26 causes the I / F 26 to display a lowercase key code on the LCD 2R. It controls the O microcomputer 21R.

Further, when receiving the key code which is a character code, the CPU 31 displays the character on the LCD 1.
The LDC controller 34 is controlled so as to be displayed on the LCD.

[0065] Thus, rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b, the 11L _b to 14L _b operated to rotate, the rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b, 11L _b to 14L _b
Is clicked, and the tact switches 11R _a through 14
R _a, by 11L _a to 14L _a is operated, a desired key code is displayed on the LCD 1, by which this is repeated, text creation, editing is performed.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation will be further described. First, in step S1 first, the rotary key top 11R _b to 14
R _b, 11L _b to 14L _b is operated to rotate, the desired keycode, LCD2R, whether displayed in 2L is,
Determined by the user. If it is determined in step S1 that the desired key code is not displayed on the LCDs 2R and 2L, the process returns to step S1.

[0067] Further, in step S1, the desired keycode, LCD2R, if it is determined to have been displayed in 2L, the process proceeds to step S2, the rotary key tops corresponding to the key code (rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b , one of the 11L _b to 14L _b) is clicked.

[0068] When the rotary key top is clicked in step S2, tact switches corresponding thereto (tact switch 11R _a through 14R _a and 11L _a through 14L _a
Is operated, whereby the key code is determined, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3,
The key code determined as described above is displayed on the LCD 1, the process returns to step S1, and the processes from step 1 are repeated.

[0069] As described above, according to the word processor, the same keystrokes as those which are constituted by a full keyboard, eight rotary keytop 11R _b to 14R _b and 11L _b to 14L _b, and four Since the tact switches 3R, 3L, 4R, and 4L can be performed by using a total of 12 key tops, that is, the number of key tops can be reduced to approximately 1/6 of a normal full keyboard. Can be reduced in size and cost.

Also, without releasing the finger from the key top,
Since key input can be performed, accurate and quick typing by blind touch can be performed.

[0071] Further, in this word processor, rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b is operated by the finger, the 11L _b to 14L _b, since to assign the same key code and when working with full keyboard, A user accustomed to the operation of the full keyboard can perform the operation without feeling uncomfortable.

Although the case where the keyboard device of the present invention is applied to a word processor has been described above, the keyboard device of the present invention can be applied to, for example, an information device such as a portable computer or a game device in addition to a word processor. it can. That is, for example, the word processor shown in FIG. 4 can be an information device or a game device by changing a program stored in the ROM 33.

The keyboard device of the present invention can be used in place of, for example, a full keyboard of a desktop computer or a joystick as an input device of a game machine.

In this embodiment, after confirming the key code displayed on the LCD 2R or 2L, the user clicks the rotary key top corresponding to the desired key code to determine the key code. ,
For example, a desired key code can be directly determined. That is, the key code at the home position is displayed on the LCD 1 by simply clicking the rotary key top, for example, and the other key codes are displayed by simply rotating the rotary key top to one or the other.
It can be displayed on CD1.

Further, the key top is not a rotary key top (rotary key top 11R _b ) shown in FIG. 5 but a seesaw type key top as shown in FIG. 7, for example. It may be determined directly. In addition, FIG. 7A or FIG.
The side view or the top view of the seesaw type key top is shown, respectively. In this case, when pushing the portion of B, and the rotary shaft 45 is a rotation angle 0 °, in the figure, is lowered downwards, so thereby tact switch 11R _a shown in FIG. 5 is operated, as described above The key code at the home position can be displayed on the LCD 1. When the part A or C is pushed in, the rotation angle 45
State but having a predetermined rotation angle, in the figure, is lowered downwards, so thereby tact switch 11R _a shown in FIG. 5 is operated, as described above, each other key code LCD1 It can be displayed.
The ribs provided on the switch surface in FIG. 7 as convex portions (or concave portions) are provided so that an operator can recognize the respective portions A to C of the switch.

In this embodiment, the key top to which a plurality of key codes are assigned is the rotary key top 11R _b
To 14R _b, but to use a 11L _b to 14L _b, the addition may be, for example, as used, for example slide key top.

[0077] Further, a plurality of key codes to be assigned rotary key top 11R _b to 14R _b, the 11L _b or 14L _b is not limited to that corresponding to a full keyboard, such as described above.

[0078] Also, tact switches 11R _a through 14R _a and 11L _a through 14L _a determining key code can be provided in a position that can be operated directly.

[0079]

According to the input device of the first aspect, the time
Detects the rotation angle of operation keys that can be used for rotation operation and pressing operation
The key code that is set for each rotation angle.
Select a predetermined key code corresponding to the detected rotation angle.
Key is selected when the operation key is pressed
Confirm the code and display the confirmed key code
When the operation key is released from the rotation operation,
Since the origin is returned to the set predetermined angle,
The number of operation keys is small, and the device can be made compact.

According to the input device of the second aspect, the operation
Eight keys are provided for eight fingers except thumbs of both hands
The eight operation keys are arranged on the left and right four by four.
By operating each operation key with the left and right index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, for example, quick key input becomes possible.

According to the input device of the third aspect, the operation
On the side opposite to the side where the key is located, select the key
Mode is displayed according to the operation keys arranged on the left and right.
Key code according to the rotation angle.
Can be recognized.

According to the input device of the fourth aspect, eight input devices are provided.
Each of the operation keys
Assign multiple key codes that can be operated with fingers
When point return, the selected key code is
Key code at home position
To use the full keyboard operation.
The user can enter the key code without discomfort.
Wear.

According to the input device of the fifth aspect, the rotation
With the axis symmetrical, tilting and pressing operations in two directions can be performed.
Detects the tilt direction of possible seesaw-type operation keys and
Key codes are detected from multiple key codes for each direction.
Select the key code corresponding to the tilt direction
-When a saw-type operation key is pressed, the selected key is
-Confirm the code and display the confirmed key code.
To confirm the key code directly.
Can be.

[0084]

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an embodiment of a word processor to which a keyboard device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state when the word processor of FIG. 1 is operated.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an operation unit 6R in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a seesaw type key top.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,2L, 2R LCD 3L, 3R, 4L, 4R tact switches 5L, 5R notch 6L to 9 L, 6R or 9R operation unit 11L _a through 14L _a, 11R _a to 14R _a tact switch 11L _b to 14L _b, 11R _b To 14R _b rotary key top 15L to 18L, 15R to 18R encoder 21L, 21R I / O microcomputer 22L, 22R CPU 23L, 23R ROM 24L, 24R RAM 25L, 25R LCD controller 26L, 26R I / F 31 CPU 32 RAM 33 ROM 34 LCD controller 41 Fixed shaft 42a, 42b Fixed plate 43a, 43b Holding plate 44 Pulley 45 Rotation shaft 46 Belt 47 Pulley 48 Rotation shaft 49 Belt 50 Pulley

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-182562 (JP, A) JP-A-2-6354 (JP, U) JP-A-2-149431 (JP, U) JP-A-63 167629 (JP, U) JP-A-2-14736 (JP, U) JP-A-57-136136 (JP, U) JP-A 63-22195 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 1-127021) Microfilm photographing the contents of documents and drawings (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/02 G06F 3/023 A63F 13/06 H01H 21/24

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An operation key capable of rotating and pressing.
And detecting means for detecting the rotation angle of the operation key, and a plurality of key codes set for each rotation angle, and
A predetermined value corresponding to the rotation angle detected by the detecting means.
Selecting means for selecting the key code, and when the operation key is pressed, the selecting means
A determination means for determining the selected key code, and the key code determined by the determination means .
First display means , wherein the operation key is opened when the rotation operation is released.
It is characterized by homing to a predetermined angle which is fit set
Input device. 2. There are eight operation keys except thumbs of both hands.
There are eight corresponding to the fingers, the eight operation keys are arranged in four left and right
Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that that. 3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising :
On the surface, the key code selected by the selection means
Before displaying the second display means to be divided into left and right
In addition to the operation keys, one each to the left and right
The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises. 4. Each of the eight operation keys has a
Pre-determined multiple fronts operated by each finger on the keyboard
If the key code is assigned and the home position is returned , the key code is selected by the selection means.
In the full keyboard, the key code is
Characterized in that the said key code when the home position
The input device according to claim 2, wherein: 5. A tilt operation in two directions with a symmetrical rotation axis.
Seesaw-type operation key that can be operated and pressed, and detection means for detecting the tilt direction of the seesaw-type operation key
A plurality of key codes are set for each of the inclination directions.
Et al., Corresponding to the I Ri said detected tilt direction in the detecting means
Selecting means for selecting the predetermined key code to be operated , and selecting the key code when the seesaw-type operation key is pressed.
Confirming the key code selected by the selecting means
Means for displaying the key code determined by the determination means.
Input apparatus characterized by comprising a display unit that.